Syllabus der Pflanzenfamilien (1892–) by Adolf Engler (1844–1930) is a complete revision of plant families down to generic level and often even further. As such it forms part of the Engler system of plant taxonomy. Engler's starting point was that of Eichler who had been the first to use phylogenetic principles, and reflected the new post-Darwinian perspective, although Engler himself did not think that his was. His modified Eichler schema first appeared in 1886 in his Guide to Breslau Botanic Garden (of which he was the director) and was expanded in his Syllabus in 1892. This reflected the new post-Darwinian perspective. Engler's Syllabus der Pflanzenfamilien first appeared in 1892 with the title Syllabus der Vorlesungen über specielle und medicinisch-pharmaceutische Botanik. Many subsequent editions have appeared since, and it was continued after Engler's death in 1930. The most recent edition was the 13th in 2009. A number of references to the Engler system actually refer to later revisions ('modified Engler system') undertaken by Melchior and colleagues, the 12th edition of the Syllabus, also referred to as the Melchior system.

Synopses

First edition (1892)

Review of previous systems p. xvii Schema p. xx

Third edition (1903)

The main groups of plants are shown here with page numbers in (parentheses) and some corresponding volumes in Die Natürlichen Pflanzenfamilien in [square brackets], however there are changes between editions: Review of previous systems p. xxi From schema and index (pp. xxiv-xxv)

XIII Embryophyta siphonogama

Gymnospermae

6 classes (p. 70)

Angiospermae

2 classes (p. 75)

Monocotyledoneae

11 orders

Dicotyledoneae

2 subclasses (p. 106) Index (p. 215)

Monocotyledon family structure

11 orders (Reihe)

Pandanales

Helobiae

4 suborders

Triuridales

Glumiflorae

Principes

Synanthae

Spathiflorae

Farinosae

6 suborders

Liliiflorae

3 suborders (Unterreihe) 9 families

Scitamineae

Microspermae

In modern classifications, Engler's divisions I - XI are not considered plants but are classified in other groups (although some botanists do accept Engler's divisions VII and VIII, the "green algae", as plants).

Thirteenth edition (2009-)

Works by Engler

Syllabus editions 1892–1924

Posthumous editions

Other works by Engler

Works about Engler